Coming up -- Published Dec. 12, 2013

The Modesto-based Celtic trio has been performing its annual holiday concerts for decades in the Central Valley.

By The Record

recordnet.com

By The Record

Posted Dec. 12, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By The Record

Posted Dec. 12, 2013 at 12:01 AM

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Music: Golden Bough

The Modesto-based Celtic trio has been performing its annual holiday concerts for decades in the Central Valley. The trio's tunes carry on the ancient traditions of music from the seven Celtic nations (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, The Isle of Man, French Brittany and Spanish Galicia), Founded in 1980, the ensemble blends Celtic harp, guitar, octave-mandolin, mandolin, accordion, violin, penny-whistle and bodhran with their "pristine" vocal harmonies. Margie Butler and Paul Espinoza (wife and husband) are joined by Kathy Sierra. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Manteca. mantecakindredarts.com.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel - made into yet another movie version this year (with Leonardo DiCaprio) - is the theme for this end-of-2013 event. There will be a selection of "passed hors d'oeuvres," including bruschetta, antipasto skewers, coconut shrimp, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and smoked salmon on cucumbers. Then there's a photo booth, candy bar, balloon drop ad DJ music. 10 p.m. Dec. 31, University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, Stockton. $50. Dinner reservations can be made for 6:30 and 8 p.m. (209) 323-3131.

Event: New Year's Eve

There will be pasta-chef, wok and dessert stations at which to stop as well as a photo booth, party favors and champagne. 9 p.m. Dec. 31. Wine & Roses, Lodi. $85. (209) 371-6117.

Now in its seventh year, this three-day program that includes films from around the world opens with "A River Changes Course," produced and directed by Kalyanee Mam, who grew up in Stockton. A native of Cambodia, her film won the grand jury award for world-cinema documentaries at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. A graduate of Yale University and UCLA's law school, she'll attend the opening-night showing. "We Are Connected" is the festival theme. Founder-director Sophoan Sorn is the curator. Jan. 3-5, Janet Leigh Theatre, UOP. sjiff.com.

Theater: "Southern Hospitality"

In part three of a trilogy the Futrelle Sisters face the disappearance of Fayro, Texas, as the Super SmartMart and rendering plant close. Jan. 3-4, 6 and 10-12. Community Theatre of Linden. (209) 401-8549.

Music: Chamber Music Festival

Paul Kimball previews the series of three concerts he'll conduct and direct. After 13 years, the series moves to Zion Lutheran Church. Jan. 4. The Haggin Museum, Stockton. (209) 940-6300.

Lodi's Garner and his band do their tribute to Johnny Cash (1932-2003, one of the transcendent figures in country music. Jan. 10, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi. (209) 333-5550.

Music :Student Recital Series

University of the Pacific's best piano students play off after a selection process involving taped submissions. The top "15 to 18" the play 15-minute live programs. Jan. 11. Recital Hall, UOP. (209) 946-2415.